At about 4,300 feet the sun is hard on paint, and south and west walls fade and crack first. Winter adds snow and freeze and thaw. We wash, scrape, prime and caulk before two coats go on, and we time the work around heat, shade and spring rain.
Exterior paint has a hard life in Salt Lake City. At about 4,300 feet the sun is stronger than at sea level, and the valley gets more than 50 days a year above 90 degrees. South and west walls fade and chalk first. Then winter brings snow, ice and many swings above and below freezing, which open joints in trim and siding. A paint job here lasts when the prep deals with both.
We start with a wash to take off dust, chalk and cobwebs. Loose paint is scraped, bare wood is primed, and open joints are caulked. Stucco cracks are filled. On the brick homes that fill Sugar House, Murray and Millcreek, the work is mostly wood trim, eaves, windows and porches. On newer homes it is stucco and fiber cement. Unpainted historic brick is best left unpainted, and the city asks for that in its historic districts.
Timing matters. The dependable outdoor season runs from about late April or May into early October, since the average frost-free period is April 30 to October 15. In high summer we follow the shade around the house, because paint put on a hot wall in direct sun dries too fast to bond. Spring is the wettest part of the year, so we watch the forecast. The quote gives a start window, not a fixed day, so a rain delay does not surprise you.
Exterior painting in Salt Lake City: common questions
When is the best time to paint a house exterior in Salt Lake City?
Late spring and early fall are the most comfortable, and summer works well when the crew follows the shade. The limits are cold nights in early spring and late fall, and spring rain. We check the paint label and the forecast before we start.
Do I need approval to repaint in a Salt Lake City historic district?
Paint color is not reviewed in the city's local historic districts. Painting unpainted historic brick or stone is a different matter: the city says it should stay unpainted. Other exterior changes need Planning approval. If you are in an HOA, it may have its own color rules.
How long will exterior paint last here?
It depends on the surface, the sun and the prep. National published figures say 5 to 10 years on average. South and west walls at this altitude usually show wear first, so some owners touch those up between full repaints.
How it works
- Free estimate: Call, text or book online. We walk the job and measure.
- Written quote: Prep, paint and price in writing.
- Prep & protect: We cover floors and furniture, repair and prime surfaces.
- Paint & walk-through: Two coats, clean lines, full clean-up and a final walk-through.